Veteran comedian and radio host Walter Mong’are, better known as Nyambane, has opened up about one of the costliest moments of his media career.
Speaking on the Tubonge Podcast with Chris The Bass, the mimic comedian revealed that a single on-air exchange during his radio days ended with a staggering KSh 21 million lawsuit.
The Cost of Crossfire
Nyambane recalled the incident from his time co-hosting a morning show with Caroline Mutoko. According to him, Caroline was “very, very upset” with Martha Karua one morning and let her frustrations spill on-air.
Although Mong’are insists he never said anything defamatory himself, Karua sued them both.
“Caroline and I were on air one morning, and I think she was very upset with Martha Karua. Whatever happened that morning, I never said anything that would get me to the corridors of justice, but Martha Karua sued us and we paid her KSh 21 million,” he revealed.
The comedian described the experience as “taking a shot for your partner,” since both he and Caroline were sued as individuals alongside the station.
From Redykyulass to Radio
Before his radio fame, Nyambane was a household name as part of the legendary comedy trio Redykyulass, alongside Tony and KJ. The group, born at Kenyatta University, became a national sensation with its razor-sharp political satire.
Known for mimicking presidents and politicians, Nyambane said their comedy carried a serious mission:
“It was comedy reflecting the ills in society, but from a sober perspective. We laugh about it, then it sticks, and then you change.”
Redykyulass eventually bowed out in 2005, redirecting their efforts toward civic engagement—encouraging young people to see voting and politics as a duty.
Comedy, Politics, and Leadership
Nyambane’s journey didn’t end with laughs. He transitioned from comedy to radio, then into leadership, even serving as Youth Advisor to President Uhuru Kenyatta between 2017 and 2022. He also ran for president in 2022.
Despite the hefty price tag of the Karua case, Mong’are says he and the People’s Liberation Party leader now meet and discuss national issues—but he’s never once brought up the lawsuit.
For Nyambane, the lesson is clear: comedy may be funny, but the consequences are very real.
